How To Choose Between a Lexus Hybrid vs Gas Model

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How To Choose Between a Lexus Hybrid vs Gas Model

Posted on December 23, 2024

As hybrid and electric vehicles get more popular, it can get harder to know which car type is the best choice for you… hybrid vs gas? Truck or SUV? Plug-in hybrid vs electric? 

Our Lexus team is here to help you learn which powertrain fits your lifestyle best and which vehicle is your perfect long-term fit. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of both hybrid and conventional gas vehicles.

Read: How Do Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid Vehicles Work?

Hybrid vs Gas: Definitions

It’s important to know the difference between vehicle types in order to make an informed decision when purchasing a Lexus. 

Hybrids

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are designed to combine a conventional gas-powered engine and an electric motor that both work with a high-voltage battery to power the car. Lexus Hybrids recharge as you drive, meaning there is no plug-in charge time. 

Learn more about Lexus Hybrids and hydrogen fuel tech here. 

Plug-In Hybrids 

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have a bigger battery pack than regular hybrid vehicles and require charging at public or at-home charging stations. Due to the larger battery capacity, these vehicles can drive a good distance without burning any gas if the battery is fully charged. 

Gas

Gas vehicles run on the power of a conventional internal combustion engine. While gas types may differ, like diesel or ethanol, they have the same components and run the same way. These cars do have a battery that starts the vehicle with electricity, but the engine takes over once the car has started. 

Benefits of Hybrid vs Gas Vehicles

Each vehicle type has different features and benefits for Edmonton drivers. 

Benefits of a Lexus Hybrid Vehicle

Because Lexus Hybrids recharge as you drive, they have great fuel efficiency! That means less spent on gas, no expenses for charging stations, and reduced emissions overall. Hybrids also typically have higher resale value than conventional gas cars. They last longer, have better mileage, and resell for more because they typically cost more. 

Benefits of a Lexus Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle

PHEVs are great for shorter commutes, as they have all-electric driving capabilities when the battery is fully charged. Like other hybrids, they do offer excellent fuel efficiency and fewer emissions. The day-to-day fuel savings can counter the higher price point and is something to consider when purchasing a Lexus vehicle.

Benefits of a Lexus Gas Vehicle

It’s no lie that gas vehicles are still the most popular on the market, and there’s a greater overall selection due to popularity. (However, the demand for hybrids is increasing) Conventional gas vehicles have lower price tags and can be more affordable upfront compared to higher-end hybrid cars. Some car owners also find that servicing a gas vehicle is easier than other vehicle types.

Drawbacks of Hybrid vs Gas Vehicles

But, just what are the negatives when it comes to hybrid and gas vehicles? The vehicle type you pick is based on your priorities and lifestyle.

Lexus Hybrid Models

The largest roadblock to some owners purchasing a hybrid vehicle is the higher purchase price. Hybrid vehicles cost more upfront, can be more costly to repair and maintain, and can also include a slight insurance rate increase compared to gas vehicles. While hybrid models can be harder to come by compared to gas models, Lexus has you covered. We have an extensive selection of hybrid vehicles available for test drive here. 

Lexus Plug-In Hybrid Models

Plug-in hybrid models are often the most expensive trim option for a vehicle, beating out other hybrid types. This is in part due to the higher upfront cost, and also the regular charging needed at home or at public EV charging ports. 

Take the 2025 NX, for example. The gas NX 350 retails for $57,805, the hybrid NX 350h for $59,750, and the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ for $63,325. However, there is good news for those with their hearts set on a plug-in hybrid! Select models, like the NX 450h+, qualify for federal incentives up to $5000 from the Government of Canada Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program.

Lexus Gas Models

Gas vehicles get poorer mileage on average than hybrids. Not only that, but they have higher harmful emissions and use gasoline, which is a non-renewable resource. If you’re looking to the future and the health of the planet, a hybrid vehicle is the more sustainable option.

Hybrid vs Gas: Case Study

Let’s compare the fuel efficiency and performance of two popular trims of the 2025 Lexus RX.

The RX 350 AWD is a gas-powered luxury SUV that delivers 275 horsepower and a fuel efficiency rating of 11.2/8.4 L/100KM (city.highway). 

Let’s compare that to the RX 500h AWD. This powerful hybrid can output a whopping 367 horsepower and cut down on fuel consumption with a rating of 8.7/8.4 L/100KM (city/highway).

The RX 500h has a higher price point than the RX 350, but it also saves on day-to-day fuel costs and provides a punchier driving experience overall. 

Learn more about the 2025 Lexus RX here. 

Get Your Lexus Today!

Whether you’ve decided on a hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or gas vehicle, Lexus South Pointe has plenty of models for you to test drive. Visit us in Edmonton at 830 - 100th St. SW, Edmonton, AB, T6X 0S8.

Keep reading: How Do Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid Vehicles Work?